Talk to the Doctor

It does matter what you say and how you say it. 

Now while most doctor visits seem cruel and unnecessary punishment for most, there are ways to get though it all and still get the most out of each visit.

1.  Be clear.  Be clear as to why you came to the doctor's office today.  Make a list of any symptoms you have, your general health since the last visit, along with any questions you specifically want to discuss with the doctor.

2.  Present your case.  Present your health case as if you literally were at a trial and are only allowed 60 seconds to make an opening statement.  Focus on the most important items first.  Be brief, yet concise.  For example:  I had a stomach ache with diarrhea 3 days ago, for 24 hours, off and on.  I ate sushi about 3 hours before it started, etc.   I took Imodium 2 times and drank Gatorade for 2 days.  Today I'm feeling better, still weak, shaky, and my stomach is still feeling irritated and sore, etc.

3.  Give a brief family history.  Briefly add any pertinent information about the history of any family members health, as it pertains to your current conditions.  i.e., My mom and brother have acid reflux disease, my Aunt has a Heyerdahl hernia, and my dad has a stomach ulcer.   These are important pieces of a health care puzzle that the doctor is trying to piece back together.

4.  Don't assume anything.  Don't assume that just because you remember discussing possible medical conditions or treatment with the doctor 2 months ago, that the doctor will remember the conversation, much less any important factors.  Also, don't assume the doctor remembers this is the 4th time you've had similar symptoms.  There are many possibilities, remember each piece of information is like another puzzle piece.  It makes the whole picture become more clear.

5.  Keep things in prospective.  Just because you're in pain, don't be too impatient.  Most pain medications take away pain, but they also tend to make you sluggish and uncooperative.  Also, they don't want any pain medications to mask any symptoms you're experiencing.  That's why you'll feel as though you're being grilled by the police instead of the family doctor.  They need to get as much useful information from you before any medication takes effect.  So, refer back to Item #2, Present your case as clearly and concise as possible in the fewest words.  When the doctor becomes satisfied they only need to treat the pain, and not send you elsewhere for more extensive testing, and the doctor is relatively certain as to what is happening to you physically, they probably won't give you anything to take away the pain.  They may, however, if it's an extended time period needed to complete all tests, give you a small dose of some medications to ease the severity of your pain.  Try to understand that they're trying to do their job effectively and aren't personally satisfied to see any patient in pain.

6.  Keep your cool.  While being sick and/or in pain is terrible itself, getting upset and angry doesn't help.  It only make you feel worse, and makes those around you feel less like helping.  No one wants to deal with anyone yelling or screaming at them.  I know how difficult this can be, but trust me, you're doing yourself no favors by being grouchy and/or mean.  If you are experiencing what you'd consider less than quality or prompt care, then ask someone with you to inquire as to the problem and/or delay.  Their patience has not been compromised by pain and illness, so they are likely to approach the problem in a more dignified and tactful manner.  Plus, the staff can hardly blame the patient if they're not the one complaining.  It's important not to be labeled as being uncooperative or aggressive while being treated.  Those two words can mean the difference of a 2 hour wait versus a 6+ hour wait.  And, don't think that paperwork just magically becomes misplaced.

7.  Be prepared.  Like the boyscout motto, you should always go to the doctor prepared.  Make certain you have a current insurance card and your personal identification with you.  If you're dealing with medical care, be prepared to show both cards to almost everyone.  Also, bring any reading glasses as you'll undoubtedly be handed several forms to complete and/or to read over and sign.  Make sure you understand what it is you are signing.  Also, if you have migraines, or regularly have nausea, then come prepared with an eye mask, ear plugs, ice packs, a wet wash cloth, a "barf" bag or bucket, tissues, or any thing else you can think of that you may need while you're waiting. Comfort items can make the difference between getting through the long wait or having to just grit your teeth and pull your hair out!

8.  Try to relax.  Conserving your energy whenever possible may be the only thing that will ultimately get you through until treatment arrives.

9.  Ask questions.  If you don't understand what someone  is trying to explain to you about your health, the care you need, or the medications for you to take, then ask them to explain further.  It serves no purpose if you don't comprehend the scope or magnitude of your care.  You are the first line of defense for your body's ultimate healthy care, so make certain you know what that entails.

10.  Follow-up.  Always follow-up with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) after any illness, treatment , surgery, or testing.  Even if you were seen elsewhere, such as an Emergency Room or Urgent Care facility, go see your personal physician to follow up afterwards.   This is to make certain no other treatment, tests, or further care is necessary.  Once a condition, illness, or surgery occurs, it can have long lasting effects on your overall health.  So discuss what happened, what treatment was given, plus any medications prescribed, or any tests performed with your doctor.  Keeping your Primary Care Physician in the loop is a vital part to keeping that puzzle whole and intact.

11.  Listen to what your doctor says.  Pay close attention to what your doctor says, especially if they are sending you for testing or to a Specialist.  Make sure that you know what information is vital to relay to the testing facility and/or Specialist.  Hemming and hawing  about why you were sent there has negative effects on your health cause.  "I don't know why my doctor sent me here.",  will get you the least amount of care and/or concern from a Specialist.  If they don't get the full story, including family history, the Specialist knows nothing except what they see before them.  A person who's not certain why they're there, and who didn't bother to find out from their Primary Care.  It you don't care, then why should the Specialist spend their precious time and resources to treat or aid someone who obviously doesn't participate in their own health care?  It does matter what you say and how you say it.   Most especially when relaying information between different doctors.  You may not have all the answers, but what you do say can be the one factor that causes the Specialist or other doctor to pick up the phone  and discuss your case with your Primary Care Physician, and/or other doctors.  Withholding vital information  irregardless of how embarrassing or personal can be the difference between care that's substantial versus minimal treatment that doesn't ultimately help you.

12.  Make notes.  Keep notes of important information from each Doctor you see.  These will be very beneficial when seeking the help from a Specialist, or any health care facility, away from your Primary Care.  Make a list of important points to discuss, pertinent information, tests, results, etc., to relay, plus any questions you may have.

Keep in mind, most doctors see on average 50 - 100 patients per week or more.  After awhile they all begin to blur together, so forgive the doctor if they don't remember every detail of your health and care.  You are your strongest and only advocate to enable you to receive the best care possible.  Sitting silently, while waiting for the doctor to ask you questions won't get you much care.  Be the patient, help your doctor to recall who you are, your current health concerns, plus any history you feel is necessary and important to bring to the doctor's attention.  Then let them ask questions.  Be your own ally.  Help the doctor and their staff to help you by giving them what they need to provide you with the best care possible.  Be vocal, but not aggressive.  Be involved, but not in charge.  Be aware, not taxing.  Most of all, talk to your doctor and listen when they talk, too!  Communication is the key to every great relationship.   Remember you only get out what you put into it!